Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal has expressed his expectations regarding the arrival of Xabi Alonso as a possible successor to Carlo Ancelotti. The player stated that “only time will tell” if Alonso is the right man to turn the team’s situation around after a season with results below expectations.
Saturday’s match against Real Sociedad will mark the end of Ancelotti’s time in charge of Madrid, before he takes over as coach of the Brazilian national team.
Although Alonso’s appointment has not yet been made official by the club, the Spanish coach is expected to return to the team after announcing his departure from Bayer Leverkusen.
It seems that Xabi is going to be the one who comes, although it is not official.
Dani Carvajal
Carvajal added that Alonso “has had two fantastic seasons with Bayer Leverkusen and I think he will do very well. He knows the club better than anyone, he has been a player, he has defended the badge for many years, he knows what it means to be a Real Madrid player, and I think that is also a plus for him as a coach”.
Real Madrid was eliminated in the Champions League quarter-finals by Arsenal and lost against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final. Furthermore, Ancelotti’s team said goodbye to their league title hopes after a 5-4 defeat against Barça in the Clásico on May 11, and will finish in second position behind their arch-rivals.
Dani Carvajal hopes Xabi Alonso succeeds at Real Madrid.
Ancelotti, who won 15 titles during his two spells as Madrid’s coach, led the team last season to win the Champions League and LaLiga.
I have mixed feelings. I am very saddened by Carlo’s departure. I am sorry that he is leaving. I have been with him for many years, in his first stage and in this second one, we have won everything with him. He is like a footballing father to me and, well, I say it with great sadness, but in the end I hope that next Saturday the coach has the farewell he deserves as the most successful coach in the history of the club.
Dani Carvajal
In addition to Alonso, Madrid will incorporate Dean Huijsen, a defender from Bournemouth.
Carvajal also spoke about the possible arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool’s right-back, although he is not afraid of the competition.
Fear? Here we don’t talk about fear, we will be companions. Competition improves us both and brings out the best in each one.
Dani Carvajal
Carvajal, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in October, reported on his possible return date.
I am going to travel to the Club World Cup. There I will start working with the team and assess when I can compete.
Dani Carvajal
Real Madrid is also considering reinforcing the full-back position, with Alejandro Grimaldo from Leverkusen among the possible candidates.
Grimaldo, a former Barcelona youth player, completed his second season with Alonso at Leverkusen and would be willing to follow his coach to the Bernabéu this summer.
Grimaldo expressed his desire to play in a big club and mentioned Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atlético as options.
